Is Teaching the Right Profession for you?

Response to "Caring, Engaging, Learning, and Leading"  by Eric Sheninger (Guest Post) on the Dangerously ! Irrelevant Technology, Leadership, and the Future of Schools Blog   10/11/2010


Okay, I know that teachers are envied because they get their summers off and appear to have a family friendly schedule.  But is that a reason to drop everything and join the profession?  If you think so, you had better check out this blog!    Finally, an administrator spells it out for for teachers and I couldn't agree more! 

Eric Sheninger is a fourth year high school principal from New Jersey.  He pretty much sums it up when he describes what he expects in a teacher.  For starters, prospective teachers might want to ask themselves one really basic question.  Do I like kids?  I know this seems so simple that it's almost outrageous to even point out. However, sadly, I have worked with a number of teachers who don't seem to even enjoy being around children.  Obviously, the students are usually the first to pick up on this kind of sentiment and the results are often very depressing.

Passion, enthusiasm, and risk taking are all components of good teaching.   You need these pieces to be able to create engaging lessons for students.  If a teacher isn't happy working with children, he or she is probably unable to relate to the students.  If you aren't making connections with your students, it's almost impossible to put together curricula that is relevant to them.  We all know that if what you're teaching isn't perceived as relevant, it's probably not going to be retained and applied properly.  So in a way, you're wasting your time.

Another query that a prospective teacher may want to consider is again, seemingly simple.  Do I really get excited about learning?  Do I see myself as a life long learner?  Am I curious about things?  If so, great!  You'll probably be able to model these habits is an authentic way.   It may even be contagious!  If not, beware!!    Students can almost always tell if you're faking it.   You'll see.  You're not going to be an incredibly effective educator.

We all know that teaching is not easy.  Yet, surprisingly, most people overlook the most important requirements of the job.  If the core responsibilities that teachers face aren't a good fit for you, you may want to rethink things.   A summer vacation isn't worth the trouble!   Trust me.